How to eat out? Are all beans the same?

  • Hello Everyone!

    I am trying to find out if the beans at the restaurants are ok to eat. I eat out a lot ,unfortunately, and there are a few places here in Los Angeles that I like: Chipotle, for instance, are their pinto beans ok to eat? What about El Pollo Loco, is it ok to eat a chicken breast, a side salad and the pinto beans?
    Is there a thread that posts what to eat at popular fast food restaurants?

    Thanks for the help. Have a great and succesful week!

    Danielle
  • I dont have any answers, but just the mention of Chipotle has me missing the USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (we dont have it here lol)
  • Many restaurants have their nutritional information online so see what you can find. All beans in restaurants are definitely not safe, vegetarians know that! Many are made with lots of bad fats. I've been reading The End of Overeating and frankly wouldn't trust anything at a chain restaurant without researching the ingredients. Even the chicken breast might be loaded with injected fats and even sugars.
  • because I love gadgets I looked up Chipotle's beans on my iPod app (yes, there are apps that list restaurant items and nutritional info ) While it doesn't list ingredients they are low fat and only contain 3 grams of sugar, slightly more than the amount Nutrition Data lists for plain beans. It's still worth finding an ingredient list if you can, but they look okay.
  • Cyndi,
    what is that app called, it sounds like a handy one to have!
  • There are a few though I should mention it's on the Touch. This is a free one but requires wifi. There is one that is $.99 that keeps the database right on your iPod. The one I'm playing with is just called Restaurant Nutrition. The one that doesn't require internet is Nutrition Menu - Calorie, Exercise, & Weight Tracking. I haven't tried it but the reviews are pretty good.
  • Thanks for the info!